Dutch passport rules still bind Suriname call-ups despite new citizenship law

Dutch-born footballers called up to represent former colonies such as Suriname and Indonesia are still unsure of their national status, six months after the dispute known as "passportgate" first erupted. Suriname's parliament passed a law in September allowing players selected for the national team to acquire citizenship automatically, but the Dutch immigration service IND has said the change makes no difference to the Netherlands' rules on dual nationality.

Key facts

• Suriname's parliament passed the citizenship law in September for players selected for the national team.
• The Dutch immigration service IND says the law does not alter Dutch dual nationality rules.
• Players affected come from countries including Suriname, Cape Verde and Indonesia.
• Losing Dutch nationality also means losing EU citizenship, requiring visas and an annual salary threshold of €600,000 to play in the Eredivisie.
• The Dutch football association KNVB has arranged temporary work permits for Dutch-based players.

What is the problem?

The question of dual nationality for footballers first arose last March, when NAC Breda challenged the eligibility of Go Ahead Eagles defender Dean James. James accepted an invitation to play for Indonesia and took Indonesian citizenship last year, but under Dutch dual nationality rules he was required to give up his original passport.

Some players say they were misled by the Surinamese football association, which told them they could play for the national team on "sports passports" and remain Dutch citizens. Former Feyenoord winger Jean-Paul Boëtius said he only learned after his first call-up for Suriname last year that he had unintentionally renounced his Dutch citizenship. Rotterdam city council then wrote to him asking him to hand in the Dutch passport he had recently renewed, because it was no longer valid.

What has the Netherlands said?

A spokesman for the Dutch justice ministry said that "the fact that Surinamese nationality has been obtained by legal means is not enough on its own" to qualify for one of the exceptional categories under Dutch law.

Suriname coach Henk Fraser said it was "inexplicable" that players' livelihoods were being harmed by their wish to play international football. "Both countries have to get together and clarify the situation," he told NOS. Several players have turned down invitations to join the Surinamese squad because of the uncertainty, including Danilho Doekhi of Lazio, Milan van Ewijk of Coventry City and Jayden Oosterwolde of Fenerbahçe.

What happens to players who lose Dutch nationality?

Losing Dutch nationality also removes EU citizenship, so players need visas and face stricter criteria to remain eligible for the Eredivisie, including an annual salary threshold of €600,000. The KNVB launched an investigation into the employment status of players called up by countries such as Suriname, Cape Verde and Indonesia, and in the meantime arranged temporary work permits so Dutch-based players could keep playing for their clubs.

Boëtius now has a sticker in his Surinamese passport showing a residency permit for the Netherlands, but he said it is valid for only a year. "I want to become Dutch again," he said. "I was born and brought up here."

What this means for travellers

The case shows that taking a second nationality can carry consequences beyond the passport itself: people who lose Dutch nationality also lose the right to live and work elsewhere in the EU without a permit. Anyone considering acquiring another citizenship should check how Dutch dual nationality rules apply to them before making the change.

Fraser has called for the two countries to clarify the situation for players. No further decision or timetable has been announced.